Mr. English 101

Don't Miss this #English #Learning #Seminar in #São Paulo on May 14

2011-05-10T07:42:00.000-03:00

At a English learning seminar in São Paulo this Saturday hosted by Nativo Traduçôes, I have the distinct honor to address a select group of attendees.

Pronounce English Better

I plan to cover the following points on English pronunciation:

Phonics - 44 Sounds of English
3 Challenges for Portuguese Speakers
Native Pronunciation Tricks
Intonation - Music of English
Word and Sentence Stress

Participants should take away an immediate increased ability to not only pronounce English better, but understand spoken English as well.

By understanding how native English speakers communicate (elisions, assimilation, etc), English learners can have a greater awareness to anticipate these linguistic features.

In turn, a greater degree of fluency is achieved as well improved listening comprehension.

Legal English Primer

My colleague, Nasir Habib, plans to present a Legal English primer:

What is Legal English?
Legal Idioms
Colors of Law
Word Play
Reading

Any lawyer or law student seeking an introduction or deeper understanding of Legal English should attend. Nasir is a Legal English specialist and always provides a lively presentation.

Together, we plan interactive and dynamic talks where participants are involved directly! Just like class, exercises are planned to serve up a "hands on" seminar.

Invitation

So, come join us to improve your English learning in São Paulo this Saturday, May 14! Let me know if you saw my blog post, too!

Please visit the seminar website for more information and to register today!

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Colombia´s Bilingualism Campaign Boosted

2011-02-11T11:50:00.013-02:00

Colombia continues to press ahead with its nationwide campaign for bilingualism - primarily paring its native-Spanish with English.

The campaign received a boost from the US Embassy in the city of Pereira, in the heart of the Andean country's Eje cafatero (Coffee Axis), the geographic region where rich soil and a perfect climate and altitude combine to provide the aromatic ''java'' consumed around the world.

source: noticias.com.co

Sesenta niños de 14 instituciones educativas públicas de Pereira recibieron el pasado sábado 29 de enero el certificado que los acredita como beneficiarios del Programa de Micro-becas de inglés Access, una iniciativa de la Embajada de Estados Unidos que le permite a jóvenes entre los 14 y los 18 años con rendimiento académico sobresaliente acceder a cursos intensivos de inglés durante dos años.

translation by mrenglish101:

United States promotes bilingualism in Colombia

Last Saturday (January 29) sixty children from 14 public educational institutions in Pereira received certificates granting them benefits under the micro-grants program, inglés Access. The initiative by the US Embassy allows young people between the ages of 14 and 18 with outstanding academic performance to attend intensive English classes for two years.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Translators Have Jobs, For Now

2011-02-09T11:05:00.000-02:00

Machine or computer translation still stirs debate among translators.

Future employment is at stake after years of education, training, researching, and yes, rendering documents on time for clients.

End for human translators?
Despite decades of advances, one field where technology still trails humankind is translation.

Computers are marvelous in assisting translators in managing glossaries, TMs, and making the final document appear as mirror image of the source text.

However, when it comes to the intellectual firepower to apply the correct term and register, our faithful friend has not yet delivered.

The Test
So, I decided to test Google Translation, Babel Fish, and Reverso to satisfy a curiosity.

I copied and pasted the title of a section of a collective bargaining agreement from a recent Portuguese to English translation.

The phrase in Brazilian Portuguese is: GARANTIA AO EMPREGADO EM VIAS DE APOSENTADORIA.

Google: GUARANTEE THE WAY IN EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT
Babel Fish: GUARANTEE TO THE EMPLOYEE IN RETIREMENT WAYS
Reverso: GUARANTEE TO THE EMPLOYEE IN RETIREMENT WAYS
Humble Human: GUARANTEE TO EMPLOYEE NEARING RETIREMENT

The computer does not know the type of document. That is important because of the context and sometimes (many?) because of the vocabulary.

The computer is able to isolate the keywords correctly like ''guarantee,'' ''to employee,'' (except Google) and ''retirement.''

However, the humble human rendering the document knows ''en vías'' is in no ''ways'' in the document.

Experience, familiarity with labor contracts in Spanish and Portuguese, and outright knowledge lead the humble human to render the whole phrase to its acceptable translation.

The humble human's translation was submitted to Reverso as a suggestion for improvement.

Conclusion
So while the three computer translators above perform their functions to a point, the humble human still has the edge on acceptable translations while the debate rages on the need, efficacy, and of course, accuracy of machine or computer translation.

Companies and individuals who need an accurate translation without embarrassments still need to rely on the humble human.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Overcome 3 Myths of Learning Another Language

2011-02-07T11:38:00.008-02:00

Don't let these 3 myths about learning a foreign language discourage you!

Myth #1: It is too difficult to learn a new language.
In the Internet Age, anything is possible! Check out LiveMocha or Transparent websites. Pick your language - for free!

Myth#2: It is too time-consuming to learn a new language.
Time is money. In short few minutes a day, you may open new doors in your career...or find a new one! Learning a language is an investment. The rewards can be hefty. Download audio files to your mp3 player or iPod and you're set! You learn on-the-go when you want to. Welcome to time-shifting!

Myth#3: It is too expensive to learn a new language.
Have you considered the cost of not learning a new language? LiveMocha offers free beginner lessons. Transparent gives you a word-a-day free.

*Bonus - Find international radio stations here.

So, are you convinced?
*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Learn with a Language Partner!

2011-02-05T11:42:00.002-02:00

Are you beginning to study a new language this year? Learn with a partner!

Learning a language with a girlfriend, boyfriend or significant other can enhance your confidence and add another dimension to the relationship.

When you are struggling with conjugations or cannot remember the distinct uses of ser and estar in Spanish 101 or the French subjunctive, you have a reliable language partner ready to help.

Many long distance relationships are cemented when one partner begins learning the language of the other.

Plus, if you are planning a romantic getaway, you both will be able to speak with the locals and wander off the beaten path and discover the brand new world of your new language.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Motivating English Learners

2011-02-03T09:30:00.002-02:00

Sometimes students require motivation to learn another language.

Here are a couple of tips that may help teachers.

1. Instill a positive attitude by efficiently managing the class.
Are you prepared? Does the student have a clear direction of the class? Does the student receive timely and periodic feedback on his or her progress? Your investment (or not) in the class is palpable. Each of these combine to stimulate greater interest in the class. This ''buy-in'' is also great for student retention.

2. Remember, language and culture are tightly intertwined.
As a translator, I can still remember one of profs saying over and over - ''language is culture.'' Therefore, make your language class culturally relevant. Tie in lessons to recent events or popular themes depending on the location. Here in Brazil, the Carnival season always provides an inviting series of classes.

By raising student interest in classes, your teaching will be more effective and the student experience more rewarding.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Find the ''Write'' Word

2011-02-01T09:51:00.002-02:00

As the old saw goes for writing: show--do not tell.

Avoid Abstract Diction
Abstract diction is the ''tell'' part of your writing. How banal.
Show your reader specifically what you mean by giving concrete examples of abstracts like hate, love, fear, intelligence, etc.

Ex. The young boy ate a big piece of pizza. (Abstract, boring)
Ex. The pint-size youth munched on a succulent piping-hot pepperoni pizza oozing with pesto sauce.

In other words, give readers something that they can imaginatively see, hear, feel, smell, or taste. Make your writing come alive and appeal to human senses.

"Showing" often involves the use of imagery (as in the delicious pizza being devoured by a youngster.) The audience is drawn in and expected to participate in the experience.

Conclusion
While there are times when reporting (telling) the reader facts or what is occurring, showing is much more effective (and affective).

Good writers use both styles throughout their compositions. It is a technique that often separates published authors from those left pining at the keyboard.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Get Results! - Six Steps to Winning Written Communication

2011-01-30T09:29:00.001-02:00

Effective written communications is a secret key to success in business.

Follow these six steps to enhance your writing skills and increase your ROI today!

1. Before you begin to write, define your goal and audience. What do you wish to accomplish? Who will receive your written communication? Your intended recipient influences both word choice and tone of your project.

2. Use attention-grabbing sentences or headers and visuals to hook your reader. You have about 30 seconds to capture the reader. Too much boring text is a complete turnoff. Use vivid prose and pictures to reinforce your point.

3. Regarding content, what is the benefit for the reader? What does she or gain by purchasing your service or product? After a captivating entrée, deliver the sizzle, but not the steak. Solve a problem. Make a situation easier. Be responsive to the potential customer's need or desire. Get an order!

4. Check your spelling, diction, and punctuation. Use a style guide if necessary to add uniformity to your document(s). Nothing detracts more from your effectiveness than misspellings and poor grammar.

5. What is your call to action? Do you want a phone call or an email? Include this information and your website. Ask for the business; you might just get it.

6. Find an objective reader. What is the person's reaction to the document? Are there any errors or omissions? Before printing hundreds of flyers, make sure the document is top notch before going out the door.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Can you learn a language online?

2011-01-28T08:34:00.004-02:00

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill grabbed headlines last October in deciding to offer its introduction to Spanish classes exclusively online.

The increase in high-band Internet access at home, revolutionary software programs like Skype, and an explosion of convenient online opportunities have combined to force brick-and-mortar universities to compete in cyber educational arena.

Online Language Learning Works?
While some subjects like calculus and history may be adaptable outside the traditional classroom, what about languages?

Modern languages can indeed take their rightful position along with other university classes online.

While not privy to the setup of the Spanish classes at UNC-Chapel Hill, introduction classes for any language are delicate. Students need to be able to listen and mimic the language to speak it. Thus, a heavy audio and/or video component would be necessary.

From experience, as both student and teacher, online courses are customarily divided into self-contained modules in which students are exposed to new material every week. Homework is submitted by school-based email using Blackboard or another content management system.

In the case of a language program, students could record an audio file and upload it for the professor to grade.

And for office hours? Fire up Skype or MSN. My Skype ID is professorwinn. Notice the Skype button in the lower right column.

Conclusion
A pioneer in online education was MIT's Open Courseware Project. Its free modern language offerings include Chinese, French, Spanish, and German. Unlike the UNC Spanish class, no university credit is given.

Other institutions have joined MIT's lead as learning a plethora of subjects online becomes a reality.

Spanish and Portuguese speakers also have a key to online courses via Universia.

Have you taken a language class online? What was your experience?

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

What were the 10 most translated languages in 2010?

2011-01-26T12:57:00.000-02:00

According to the Kwintessential translation services firm, the Top 10 most translated languages to/from English in 2010 were:

1.French
2.German
3.Spanish
4.Arabic
5.Italian
6.Chinese
7.Dutch
8.Russian
9.Polish
10.Portuguese

Three of my languages, from French, Spanish, and Portuguese to English, made the top 10.

Is it surprising that Polish is in the top tier of the list?

For the next five languages, visit their site.
*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Extensive Reading Helps Students Read Better and Faster

2011-01-24T09:48:00.061-02:00

It is not surprising that students learn to read better and faster by reading. But there are two types of reading for students.

EFL professors may prefer an extensive reading approach.

What is extensive reading?
Reading is usually divided into two types: 1) intensive and 2) extensive.

Intensive reading involves the practice of particular reading skills and the close examination of text. Tasks often include scanning and skimming for particular details in texts.

By contrast, extensive reading involves reading numerous texts and thus a greater exposure to the language. Students read for pleasure and for a general comprehension of texts.

Benefits for Students
Students participate in the selection of texts of their interest. Less pressure provides an enjoyable reading environment.

Improvements in writing and a stronger vocabulary are also results from extensive reading programs.

Moreover, students are empowered to take control of their own language learning.

Conclusion
A key component of an extensive reading program is measuring progress. Students are often required to maintain a reading journal in order to record their reflections on texts.

The following questions can be used as a guide:

What book(s) did you read this week?
What did you find particularly interesting?
How many pages did you read?
How much time did you spend reading?
What are your reading goals this week?

You may be interested in a study evaluating an extensive reading program.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Challenges Teaching Aviation English

2011-01-19T11:26:00.000-02:00

Aviation English is more prominent today because of a March deadline imposed by ICAO ((International Civil Aviation Organization) for all commercial pilots and air traffic control crews to demonstrate a Level 4 proficiency in the language.

That makes Mr. Darren Cairn's timely masters thesis, An Insight into Aviation English: The Importance of Professional Collaboration, published just last week, more important.

Mr. Cairn provides a primer for English professors hoping to meet the overwhelming demand for specialized English for pilots and air traffic control crews.

Challenges to ESP Professors
Aviation English, as an ESP, centers around the special needs of the student, the pilot, in this case, who usually knows more about the subject than the professor. Therein lies one challenge and opportunity for the professor to take chances and innovate.

By nature, ESP professors are called to be daring in the classroom.

While a plethora of information, research, and standardized tests exists for Business English, Aviation English is a developing field and the rush is on now to fill gaps given the ICAO mandate. The absence of standards and developed course curriculum poses additional obstacles to ESP professors.

Specialized English for pilots is the main thrust of a course. However, General English is important as well (p.22-23). Pilots must be able to describe and analyze situations and communicate with the air traffic control officials beyond the technical operations of the the aircraft.

Mr. Cairns also tackles the native-speaker paradigm for Aviation English. Basically, it does not apply (p.27). A pilot needs to be able to communicate intelligibly in English and thus perfection (however relative a condition that is) should not be the aim, if ever.

Conclusions
The nascent field of Aviation English provides both rewards and risks for ESP professors. As the frequency of international flights increases and the Chinese air market matures, future demand is a near certainty. The time seems right to gain the specialized aviation knowledge and apply your own winning formula for classroom success.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

#Writers, Avoid these 5 ''Gotchas''

2011-01-18T11:54:00.001-02:00

Writers, avoid these 5 writing ''gotchas'' for more effective writing.

Always know who your audience is. Thinking is the first step in writing. Before tapping the keyboard or writing the first sentence on paper, ask: Who am I writing for? Who will read my marvelous work? Your word choice and paragraph construction are quite different depending upon how you answered these questions. Decide that before you start writing.
Create an outline. Do you know how to reach a new destination without a map? An outline organizes your thoughts and saves time in your writing project. What information or storylines will you convey?Build a detailed outline and watch your productivity soar!
Wordiness is boring. As Shakespeare's Polonius reminds us in Hamlet, ''...brevity is the soul of wit.'' As lover of words, writers often get caught up in their art. Delete as many words as possible. Less words bring more clarity and cohesiveness to writing.
Vary sentence length for action. Readers get lost in long involved sentences. Short snappy sentences are active, but vary their length. Most sentences contain about 10 words.
Cut run-on sentences. My students are famous for this one. Remember, when you complete a thought, stop by adding the period(.). Sometimes it is necessary to write a compound sentence, but remember the conjunction!

Happy writing!

#Aviation #English Exam Looms

2011-01-17T13:26:00.002-02:00

English is the international language for aviation.

By March 1, 2011, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires commercial pilots flying international routes to demonstrate an English language proficiency of Level 4 (operational).

The scramble is on for English professors to prepare pilots to meet the demand in time given the special demands of learning and practicing English for Aviation.

Given read-back/hear-back error is the greatest threat in air safety communications, the ICAO moved to implement English language proficiency norms for pilots.

The bet is better communications will reduce human error and promote greater safety for both passengers and crew.

Note: Read more on ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements.
*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Will #ABA Abandon the #LSAT?

2011-01-17T10:00:00.001-02:00

Apparently the American Bar Association is considering abandoning the requirement of LSAT scores for accredited law schools.

The decision could come next year according to the article on the ABA's website: ''LSAT Would Be Optional Under Possible ABA Accreditation Change.''

Do you agree with this move? Is it a loosening of standards or pragmatism?

Surely aspiring students to law school agree, but what about the test preparation industry.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

#Chavez Needs #English Lessons

2011-01-06T07:58:00.001-02:00

credit: BBC

English is important for world leaders personally despite professional interpreters in earshot to make sure the correct meaning is conveyed given the stakes of an errant word.

Case in point is the grand gathering of global potentates in Brasilia at the inauguration of Brazilian Presidente Dilma Rousseff last Saturday.

Now we have even more details about the awkward tête-a-tête between Venezuelan Presidente Chavez and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Venezuela and the US are at odds over a range of issues in Latin America.

Chavez to Hillary: ''How are you wife?'' according to the Spanish daily El Mundo.
Hillary (laughing): ''Ah, husband, husband.''

Chavez admitted he was mistaken because he speaks English poorly.

In the photos of the encounter, interpreters did not seem to be present. It would be curious to know how well Mrs. Clinton speaks Spanish.

Sidebar: Brazilian financial magazine Exame says Presidente Rousseff spoke in both Portuguese and English with Hillary; an interpreter was present in those conversations.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Sun Tzu and the Art of Learning English

2011-01-03T12:06:00.002-02:00

Great Wall of China

Ancient Chinese general Sun Tzu's thoughts are studied by contemporary generals, corporate titans, and now, English students.

Wise thoughts
In his ageless book, The Art of War, Sun Tzu shares his pearls of wisdom applicable to learning any second language:

Rule 1: 'if you know yourself and your enemy, you'd surely win'
English Translation: If you know why (motive) you are studying English and realize the difficulty and patience required in learning a second language, you'll have success.

Rule 2: 'if you know yourself but not your enemy, you may either win or lose'
English Translation: If you know why (motive) you are studying English but do not realize the difficulty and patience required in learning a second language, you may have success.

Rule 3: 'if you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you would lose'
English Translation: If you know neither why (motive) you are studying English nor realize the difficulty and patience required in learning a second language, you may not have success.

Conclusion
Learning English or any second (or third?) language requires dedication, patience, and most importantly, motivation.

If you apply Sun Tzu's rules by being true to yourself, heeding the lessons of a wise professor, managing your expectations, and yes, having fun, you will succeed in reaching your goal.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Please vote in our blog poll. Tell a friend!

2011-01-02T21:01:00.000-02:00

Why are you studying English?

Please vote in our first blog poll located on the right panel.

We will keep the poll active for the next week.

Please ask your friends to vote in the poll and to subscribe to our site!

Thank you and Happy 2011!

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

USMLE Requires more than Optimal English Proficiency

2010-12-26T23:08:00.001-02:00

Foreign and even US medical graduates wanting to do their residency in the United States are required to undergo a Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) as part of licensing requirements.

Candidates conduct a day-long examination of actors playing patients by conducting a timed clinical encounter : 1) talking to the ''patient'' about his or her chief complaint - Data Gathering (DG), 2) performing a physical exam, and 3) writing a Patient Note (PN).

Excellent English Required
Besides the DG and PN, candidates are assessed on their Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS) and Spoken English Proficiency (SEP).

The SEP is broken down into listening effort, pronunciation, and word choice.

While statistics indicate foreign medical graduates mostly fail because of their CIS than English proficiency, the two are interwoven.

Acting patients are instructed to ask questions, request more than a superficial explanation of unfamiliar terms, and to simulate angry, moody or otherwise difficult patients.

USMLE Preparation
While a TOEFL score of 35 is usually considered adequate to possess the English proficiency needed to pass the US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 2, the candidate needs to be understood by exercising good grammar and pronunciation in a professional context.

Therefore, it is important prospective candidates practice with a English native if possible to test rapport with a patient, role play medical scenarios, and build confidence speaking in layman's terms.

An exam prep text is a start. However, in preparation of students, instilling confidence and getting the candidate to speak naturally about ailments on a patient's level appear to be the foremost challenges.

While role playing, challenge the candidate to a calm and thorough explanation of an illness presented and offer advice on how better to speak up and address the patient directly.

From experience, medical vocabulary does not appear to be an issue, but pronunciation often is.

In sum, an English professor can coach students to interact naturally using optimal English and to develop a patient routine to be followed not only at test time, but in their residency and beyond upon a successful score.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Compliment vs Complement

2010-12-06T09:11:00.000-02:00

Compliment and complement often cause confusion in both pronunciation and usage.

Words with similar (but not identical) sounds but with different meanings are called paronyms.

complement > noun – something that completes
complement > verb – to complete

Ex. A cherry on top complements a tasty chocolate sundae.

compliment > noun – an expression of praise, congratulations, or encouragement
compliment > verb – to express a favorable opinion

Ex. The mayor complimented his staff for his successful campaign.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Take 6 Minutes for Learning English

2010-12-02T06:50:00.000-02:00

The BBC offers an important series called ''6 Minute English.''

As an American English native, I have no problem using British English for listening exercises in the classroom.

It is important to expose students to as many accents as possible to sharpen their listening comprehension skills.

The ''6 Minute English'' series is spot-on, as the British would say. A cultural or newsy topic is presented in a conversation between two hosts of the podcast. A trivia question hooks listeners to the end of the broadcast and several vocabulary words are introduced and easily explained.

Teachers can create their own comprehension questions to quiz students.

Students can download the mp3 to listen on their favorite player. If you get stuck, you can also download a transcript of the podcast!

Audio comprehension builds confidence in learners to use the language correctly.

Take 6 minutes for learning English today!
*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Imply vs Infer

2010-12-01T08:50:00.000-02:00

Again some of the best copy for the blog comes from my inquisitive students.

All of a sudden last week, one asks: ''What's the difference between imply and infer?''

These words are often confused, but there is a key distinction.

Imply - to suggest
Ex. When the mayor refused to rule out more taxes, he implied more taxes are possible.

Infer - to draw a conclusion
Ex. Jack inferred from his boss' loud tone that he was angry.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Great IELTS Resource

2010-11-09T14:15:00.000-02:00

For teachers preparing students for the IELTS exam, Cambridge - who writes the tests - offers a great resource online.

First, register to create a free account to access the information online.

Second, just choose IELTS from the list of tests in the drop down box and then the skill area you plan to review in class.

For example, for my upcoming class, I found an exercise complete with the audio files to accompany the text. Super!

Teachers are allowed to upload their own creations to share with our colleagues.

You will notice the galaxy of Cambridge exams in the drop down box.

A smorgasbord of classroom material awaits to enhance your lesson planning!

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

What's the difference? Parley vs Parlay

2010-10-27T00:08:00.000-02:00

Parley - (n) - speech or conversation; (v) - to discuss terms, to hold discussion with

ex: The county school board hopes to parley with teacher over a new contract.

Parlay - (n) - from French and Italian parole - ''words, promises'' - However, now it means ''to exploit.''

ex: He luckily parlayed a meager $100 investment into a Fortune 500 company.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Bring the Bard into your English class today!

2010-10-26T12:56:00.000-02:00

Using Shakespeare in EFL Class
While sometimes controversial for whatever reason, even his detractors must concede the Bard on both the English language and literature.

If one can understand the literature of a second language, one can derive a deeper understanding of that language.

Even for some English speakers, William Shakespeare may be a challenge. As an EFL instructor, you have a choice among tragedies, comedies, and histories. His sonnets may be a tougher assignment.

Julius Cesar's Assassination
Julius Cesar is one of my favorite tragic-histories of the Bard.

One the more memorable scenes is the assassination of Cesar on the Ides of March in the Roman Senate (Act III, Scene I).

So, here is a suggestion. Take a popular scene. If there is video, all the better. Have students take turns reading the parts - all the better with passion of a Shakespearean actor if possible. Then play the video for students to follow the scene if necessary with the texts they just read.

Resources
For the assassination scene in Julius Cesar, enotes.com and youtube.com are handy. Enotes has a split-page showing the original text and the ''modern interpretation.'' Youtube has this scene as a short video.

You have all the elements for introducing students gently to the Bard in the classroom!

Have you used Shakespeare in your class already? Do you have more suggestions or tips?

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!